Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically attend treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the person to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially beneficial in resolving more serious cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on various circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug or alcohol rehab services which are provided on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient treatment program. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehab program offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab program where the person is expected to remain at the treatment facility until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug treatment is also offered for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer additional support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

People can become addicted to drugs no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the varying challenges that this can bring about in the person's life. This is true for individuals in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes necessary. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers available which cater to these needs. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.